High density energy directing device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed embodiments include an energy directing device having one or more energy relay elements configured to direct energy from one or more energy locations through the device. In an embodiment, surfaces of the one or more energy relay elements may form a singular seamless energy surface where a separation between adjacent energy relay element surfaces is less than a minimum perceptible contour. In disclosed embodiments, energy is produced at energy locations having an active energy surface and a mechanical envelope. In an embodiment, the energy directing device is configured to relay energy from the energy locations through the singular seamless energy surface while minimizing separation between energy locations due to their mechanical envelope. In embodiments, the energy relay elements may comprise energy relays utilizing transverse Anderson localization phenomena.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/064,204 filed on Jun. 20, 2018, which is a 371 national stageapplication of International application PCT/US2017/042452 filed on Jul.17, 2017, which claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 62/362,602 filed on Jul. 15, 2016, U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/366,076 filed on Jul. 24, 2016 and U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 62/507,500 filed on May 17, 2017, all of whichare herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to energy directing devices, and specificallyto energy relays configured to direct high density energy through amosaic surface with imperceptible seam gaps.

BACKGROUND

The dream of an interactive virtual world within a “holodeck” chamber aspopularized by Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek and originally envisioned byauthor Alexander Moszkowski in the early 1900 s has been the inspirationfor science fiction and technological innovation for nearly a century.However, no compelling implementation of this experience exists outsideof literature, media, and the collective imagination of children andadults alike.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, an energy directing device may comprise one or moreenergy locations and one or more energy relay elements, each of the oneor more energy relay elements further comprising a first surface and asecond surface. The second surfaces of each energy relay element may bearranged to form a singular seamless energy surface.

In an embodiment, a separation between edges of any two adjacent secondsurfaces of the singular seamless energy surface may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/40 vision at a distance, greater than thelesser of a height of the singular seamless energy surface or a width ofthe singular seamless energy surface, from the singular seamless energysurface.

In an embodiment, the one or more energy relay elements may beconfigured to direct energy along energy propagation paths which extendbetween the one or more energy locations and the singular seamlessenergy surface.

In an embodiment, the singular seamless energy surface may be a virtualsurface.

In an embodiment, energy may be directed through the one or more energyrelay elements with zero magnification, non-zero magnification, ornon-zero minification.

In an embodiment, the singular seamless energy surface may be planar,faceted, or curved.

In an embodiment, a quantity of the one or more energy relay elementsand a quantity of the one or more energy locations may define amechanical dimension of the energy directing device.

In an embodiment, the one or more energy relay elements may beconfigured to relay accepted focused light, the accepted focused lighthaving a first resolution, while retaining a relayed resolution of theaccepted focused light no less than 50% of the first resolution.

In an embodiment, an energy directing device comprises one or moreenergy locations and one or more energy relay element stacks. Eachenergy relay element stack comprises one or more energy relay elements,and each energy relay element comprising a first side and a second side.Each energy relay element may be configured to direct energytherethrough.

In an embodiment, the second sides of terminal energy relay elements ofeach energy relay element stack may be arranged to form a singularseamless energy surface.

In an embodiment, the one or more energy relay element stacks may beconfigured to direct energy along energy propagation paths which extendbetween the one or more energy locations and the singular seamlessenergy surfaces.

In an embodiment, a separation between the edges of any two adjacentsecond surfaces of the terminal energy relay elements may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/40 vision at a distance, greater than thelesser of a height of the singular seamless energy surface or a width ofthe singular seamless energy surface, from the singular seamless energysurface.

In an embodiment, the energy relay elements of each energy relay elementstack arranged in an end-to-end configuration;

In an embodiment, an energy system comprises one or more energy devices,and one or more energy components each made from elements that inducetransverse Anderson

Localization of energy transport therethrough, and each energy componentfurther comprising a first energy surface and a second energy surface.

In an embodiment, the second energy surface of each energy component maybe arranged to form a singular seamless energy surface.

In an embodiment, the one or more energy devices may be operable to atleast emit or receive energy through the singular seamless energysurface.

In an embodiment, a separation between edges of any two adjacent secondenergy surfaces of the one or more energy components may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/40 vision at a distance, greater than thelesser of a singular seamless energy surface height or a singularseamless energy surface width, from the singular seamless energysurface.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating design parameters for anenergy directing system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy system having anactive device area with a mechanical envelope;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy relay system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of energy relayelements adhered together and fastened to a base structure;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a relayedimage through multi-core optical fibers;

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a relayedimage through an optical relay that exhibits the properties of theTransverse Anderson Localization principle;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing rays propagated from an energysurface to a viewer;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of three display devices which eachcomprise an active display area dimension and a mechanical envelope;

FIG. 8 features five display devices which each comprise active displayareas and mechanical envelopes, used with a beam splitter;

FIG. 9 is a side view illustration of a methodology where 3 beamsplitters are leveraged to accommodate a mechanical envelope;

FIG. 10 highlights this relationship between the mechanical enveloperatio, the minimum focus distance and the maximum image offset as wellas the percent of overlap between individual tiled images;

FIG. 11 is a top view illustration of an embodiment with threeprojection devices arranged in an arc;

FIG. 12 illustrates a tapered energy relay mosaic arrangement;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an energy relay element stackcomprising of two compound optical relay tapers in series;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an energydirecting device where energy relay element stacks are arranged in an8×4 array to form a singular seamless energy directing surface;

FIG. 15 contains several views of an energy directing device.

FIG. 16 contains a close-up view of the side view from FIG. 15 of theenergy directing device;

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of an embodiment where energy relayelement stacks are angled inward to a known point in space;

FIG. 18 is a top view illustration of an embodiment where the seamlessenergy surface is a display formed by tapered optical relays, while thedisplay devices and the mechanical envelopes for the display electronicsare located a distance away from the tapered relays;

FIG. 19 is a side view illustration of an embodiment wherein a seamlessdisplay surface is composed of nine tapered optical relays;

FIG. 20 is a top view illustration of an embodiment where a singleprojection source and a single display panel source are merged with animage combiner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of a Holodeck (collectively called “Holodeck DesignParameters”) provide sufficient energy stimulus to fool the humansensory receptors into believing that received energy impulses within avirtual, social and interactive environment are real, providing: 1)binocular disparity without external accessories, head-mounted eyewear,or other peripherals; 2) accurate motion parallax, occlusion and opacitythroughout a viewing volume simultaneously for any number of viewers; 3)visual focus through synchronous convergence, accommodation and miosisof the eye for all perceived rays of light; and 4) converging energywave propagation of sufficient density and resolution to exceed thehuman sensory “resolution” for vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell,and/or balance.

Based upon conventional technology to date, we are decades, if notcenturies away from a technology capable of providing for all receptivefields in a compelling way as suggested by the Holodeck DesignParameters including the visual, auditory, somatosensory, gustatory,olfactory, and vestibular systems.

In this disclosure, the terms light field and holographic may be usedinterchangeably to define the energy propagation for stimulation of anysensory receptor response. While initial disclosures may refer toexamples of electromagnetic and mechanical energy propagation throughenergy surfaces for holographic imagery and volumetric haptics, allforms of sensory receptors are envisioned in this disclosure.Furthermore, the principles disclosed herein for energy propagationalong propagation paths may be applicable to both energy emission andenergy capture.

Many technologies exist today that are often unfortunately confused withholograms including lenticular printing, Pepper's Ghost, glasses-freestereoscopic displays, horizontal parallax displays, head-mounted VR andAR displays (HMD), and other such illusions generalized as“fauxlography.” These technologies may exhibit some of the desiredproperties of a true holographic display, however, lack the ability tostimulate the human visual sensory response in any way sufficient toaddress at least two of the four identified Holodeck Design Parameters.

These challenges have not been successfully implemented by conventionaltechnology to produce a seamless energy surface sufficient forholographic energy propagation. There are various approaches toimplementing volumetric and direction multiplexed light field displaysincluding parallax barriers, hogels, voxels, diffractive optics,multi-view projection, holographic diffusers, rotational mirrors,multilayered displays, time sequential displays, head mounted display,etc., however, conventional approaches may involve a compromise on imagequality, resolution, angular sampling density, size, cost, safety, framerate, etc., ultimately resulting in an unviable technology.

To achieve the Holodeck Design Parameters for the visual, auditory,somatosensory systems, the human acuity of each of the respectivesystems is studied and understood to propagate energy waves tosufficiently fool the human sensory receptors. The visual system iscapable of resolving to approximately 1 arc min, the auditory system maydistinguish the difference in placement as little as three degrees, andthe somatosensory system at the hands are capable of discerning pointsseparated by 2-12 mm. While there are various and conflicting ways tomeasure these acuities, these values are sufficient to understand thesystems and methods to stimulate perception of energy propagation.

Of the noted sensory receptors, the human visual system is by far themost sensitive given that even a single photon can induce sensation. Forthis reason, much of this introduction will focus on visual energy wavepropagation, and vastly lower resolution energy systems coupled within adisclosed energy waveguide surface may converge appropriate signals toinduce holographic sensory perception. Unless otherwise noted, alldisclosures apply to all energy and sensory domains.

When calculating for effective design parameters of the energypropagation for the visual system given a viewing volume and viewingdistance, a desired energy surface may be designed to include manygigapixels of effective energy location density. For wide viewingvolumes, or near field viewing, the design parameters of a desiredenergy surface may include hundreds of gigapixels or more of effectiveenergy location density. By comparison, a desired energy source may bedesigned to have 1 to 250 effective megapixels of energy locationdensity for ultrasonic propagation of volumetric haptics or an array of36 to 3,600 effective energy locations for acoustic propagation ofholographic sound depending on input environmental variables. What isimportant to note is that with a disclosed bidirectional energy surfacearchitecture, all components may be configured to form the appropriatestructures for any energy domain to enable holographic propagation.

However, the main challenge to enable the Holodeck today involvesavailable visual technologies and electromagnetic device limitations.Acoustic and ultrasonic devices are less challenging given the orders ofmagnitude difference in desired density based upon sensory acuity in therespective receptive field, although the complexity should not beunderestimated. While holographic emulsion exists with resolutionsexceeding the desired density to encode interference patterns in staticimagery, state-of-the-art display devices are limited by resolution,data throughput and manufacturing feasibility. To date, no singulardisplay device has been able to meaningfully produce a light fieldhaving near holographic resolution for visual acuity.

Production of a single silicon-based device capable of meeting thedesired resolution for a compelling light field display may not bepractical and may involve extremely complex fabrication processes beyondthe current manufacturing capabilities. The limitation to tilingmultiple existing display devices together involves the seams and gapformed by the physical size of packaging, electronics, enclosure, opticsand a number of other challenges that inevitably result in an unviabletechnology from an imaging, cost and/or a size standpoint.

The embodiments disclosed herein may provide a real-world path tobuilding the Holodeck.

Example embodiments will now be described hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and whichillustrate example embodiments which may be practiced. As used in thedisclosures and the appended claims, the terms “embodiment”, “exampleembodiment”, and “exemplary embodiment” do not necessarily refer to asingle embodiment, although they may, and various example embodimentsmay be readily combined and interchanged, without departing from thescope or spirit of example embodiments. Furthermore, the terminology asused herein is for the purpose of describing example embodiments onlyand is not intended to be limitations. In this respect, as used herein,the term “in” may include “in” and “on”, and the terms “a,” “an” and“the” may include singular and plural references. Furthermore, as usedherein, the term “by” may also mean “from”, depending on the context.Furthermore, as used herein, the term “if” may also mean “when” or“upon,” depending on the context. Furthermore, as used herein, the words“and/or” may refer to and encompass any and all possible combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

Holographic System Considerations:

Overview of Light Field Energy Propagation Resolution

Light field and holographic display is the result of a plurality ofprojections where energy surface locations provide angular, color andintensity information propagated within a viewing volume. The disclosedenergy surface provides opportunities for additional information tocoexist and propagate through the same surface to induce other sensorysystem responses. Unlike a stereoscopic display, the viewed position ofthe converged energy propagation paths in space do not vary as theviewer moves around the viewing volume and any number of viewers maysimultaneously see propagated objects in real-world space as if it wastruly there. In some embodiments, the propagation of energy may belocated in the same energy propagation path but in opposite directions.For example, energy emission and energy capture along an energypropagation path are both possible in some embodiments of the presentdisclosed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating variables relevant forstimulation of sensory receptor response. These variables may includesurface diagonal 101, surface width 102, surface height 103, adetermined target seating distance 118, the target seating field of viewfield of view from the center of the display 104, the number ofintermediate samples demonstrated here as samples between the eyes 105,the average adult inter-ocular separation 106, the average resolution ofthe human eye in arcmin 107, the horizontal field of view formed betweenthe target viewer location and the surface width 108, the vertical fieldof view formed between the target viewer location and the surface height109, the resultant horizontal waveguide element resolution, or totalnumber of elements, across the surface 110, the resultant verticalwaveguide element resolution, or total number of elements, across thesurface 111, the sample distance based upon the inter-ocular spacingbetween the eyes and the number of intermediate samples for angularprojection between the eyes 112, the angular sampling may be based uponthe sample distance and the target seating distance 113, the totalresolution Horizontal per waveguide element derived from the angularsampling desired 114, the total resolution Vertical per waveguideelement derived from the angular sampling desired 115, device Horizontalis the count of the determined number of discreet energy sources desired116, and device Vertical is the count of the determined number ofdiscreet energy sources desired 117.

A method to understand the desired minimum resolution may be based uponthe following criteria to ensure sufficient stimulation of visual (orother) sensory receptor response: surface size (e.g., 84″ diagonal),surface aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9), seating distance (e.g., 128″ from thedisplay), seating field of view (e.g., 120 degrees or +/−60 degreesabout the center of the display), desired intermediate samples at adistance (e.g., one additional propagation path between the eyes), theaverage inter-ocular separation of an adult (approximately 65 mm), andthe average resolution of the human eye (approximately 1 arcmin). Theseexample values should be considered placeholders depending on thespecific application design parameters.

Further, each of the values attributed to the visual sensory receptorsmay be replaced with other systems to determine desired propagation pathparameters. For other energy propagation embodiments, one may considerthe auditory system's angular sensitivity as low as three degrees, andthe somatosensory system's spatial resolution of the hands as small as2-12 mm.

While there are various and conflicting ways to measure these sensoryacuities, these values are sufficient to understand the systems andmethods to stimulate perception of virtual energy propagation. There aremany ways to consider the design resolution, and the below proposedmethodology combines pragmatic product considerations with thebiological resolving limits of the sensory systems. As will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the following overviewis a simplification of any such system design, and should be consideredfor exemplary purposes only.

With the resolution limit of the sensory system understood, the totalenergy waveguide element density may be calculated such that thereceiving sensory system cannot discern a single energy waveguideelement from an adjacent element, given:

${{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Aspect}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = \frac{{Width}\mspace{14mu} (W)}{{Height}\mspace{14mu} (H)}$${{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Horizontal}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{Size}} = {{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Diagonal}*( \frac{1}{\sqrt{( {1 + ( \frac{H}{W} )^{2}} }} )}$${{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Vertical}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{Size}} = {{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Diagonal}*( \frac{1}{\sqrt{( {1 + ( \frac{W}{H} )^{2}} }} )}$${{Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Field}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{of}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{View}} = {2*a\; \tan \mspace{14mu} ( \frac{{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Size}}{2*{Seating}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}} )}$${{Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {Field}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {View}} = {2*a\; \tan \mspace{14mu} ( \frac{{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {Size}}{2*{Seating}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}} )}$${{Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Element}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}} = {{Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {FoV}*\frac{60}{{Eye}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}}}$${{Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {Element}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}} = {{Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {FoV}*\frac{60}{{Eye}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}}}$

The above calculations result in approximately a 32×18° field of viewresulting in approximately 1920×1080 (rounded to nearest format) energywaveguide elements being desired. One may also constrain the variablessuch that the field of view is consistent for both (u, v) to provide amore regular spatial sampling of energy locations (e.g. pixel aspectratio). The angular sampling of the system assumes a defined targetviewing volume location and additional propagated energy paths betweentwo points at the optimized distance, given:

${{Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}} = \frac{{Inter}\text{-}{Ocular}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}}{( {{{Number}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Desired}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{Intermediate}\mspace{14mu} {Samples}} + 1} )}$${{Angular}\mspace{14mu} {Sampling}} = {a\; {\tan ( \frac{{Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}}{{Seating}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{Distance}} )}}$

In this case, the inter-ocular distance is leveraged to calculate thesample distance although any metric may be leveraged to account forappropriate number of samples as a given distance. With the abovevariables considered, approximately one ray per 0.57° may be desired andthe total system resolution per independent sensory system may bedetermined, given:

${{Locations}\mspace{14mu} {Per}\mspace{14mu} {{Element}(N)}} = \frac{{Seating}\mspace{14mu} {FoV}}{{Angular}\mspace{14mu} {Sampling}}$Total  Resolution   H = N * Horizontal  Element  ResolutionTotal  Resolution  V = N * Vertical  Element  Resolution

With the above scenario given the size of energy surface and the angularresolution addressed for the visual acuity system, the resultant energysurface may desirably include approximately 400 k×225 k pixels of energyresolution locations, or 90 gigapixels holographic propagation density.These variables provided are for exemplary purposes only and many othersensory and energy metrology considerations should be considered for theoptimization of holographic propagation of energy. In an additionalembodiment, 1 gigapixel of energy resolution locations may be desiredbased upon the input variables. In an additional embodiment, 1,000gigapixels of energy resolution locations may be desired based upon theinput variables.

Current Technology Limitations:

Active Area, Device Electronics, Packaging, and the Mechanical Envelope

FIG. 2 illustrates a device 200 having an active area 220 with a certainmechanical form factor. The device 200 may include drivers 230 andelectronics 240 for powering and interface to the active area 220, theactive area having a dimension as shown by the x and y arrows. Thisdevice 200 does not take into account the cabling and mechanicalstructures to drive, power and cool components, and the mechanicalfootprint may be further minimized by introducing a flex cable into thedevice 200. The minimum footprint for such a device 200 may also bereferred to as a mechanical envelope 210 having a dimension as shown bythe M:x and M:y arrows. This device 200 is for illustration purposesonly and custom electronics designs may further decrease the mechanicalenvelope overhead, but in almost all cases may not be the exact size ofthe active area of the device. In an embodiment, this device 200illustrates the dependency of electronics as it relates to active imagearea 220 for a micro OLED, DLP chip or LCD panel, or any othertechnology with the purpose of image illumination.

In some embodiments, it may also be possible to consider otherprojection technologies to aggregate multiple images onto a largeroverall display. However, this may come at the cost of greatercomplexity for throw distance, minimum focus, optical quality, uniformfield resolution, chromatic aberration, thermal properties, calibration,alignment, additional size or form factor. For most practicalapplications, hosting tens or hundreds of these projection sources 200may result in a design that is much larger with less reliability.

For exemplary purposes only, assuming energy devices with an energylocation density of 3840×2160 sites, one may determine the number ofindividual energy devices (e.g., device 100) desired for an energysurface, given:

${{Devices}\mspace{14mu} H} = \frac{{Total}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} H}{{Device}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}{\mspace{11mu} \;}H}$${{Devices}\mspace{14mu} V} = \frac{{Total}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{Resolution}\mspace{14mu} V}{{Device}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} V}$

Given the above resolution considerations, approximately 105×105 devicessimilar to those shown in FIG. 2 may be desired. It should be noted thatmany devices comprise of various pixel structures that may or may notmap to a regular grid. In the event that there are additional sub-pixelsor locations within each full pixel, these may be exploited to generateadditional resolution or angular density. Additional signal processingmay be used to determine how to convert the light field into the correct(u,v) coordinates depending on the specified location of the pixelstructure(s) and can be an explicit characteristic of each device thatis known and calibrated. Further, other energy domains may involve adifferent handling of these ratios and device structures, and thoseskilled in the art will understand the direct intrinsic relationshipbetween each of the desired frequency domains. This will be shown anddiscussed in more detail in subsequent disclosure.

The resulting calculation may be used to understand how many of theseindividual devices may be desired to produce a full resolution energysurface. In this case, approximately 105×105 or approximately 11,080devices may be desired to achieve the visual acuity threshold. Thechallenge and novelty exists within the fabrication of a seamless energysurface from these available energy locations for sufficient sensoryholographic propagation.

Summary of Seamless Energy Surfaces:

Configurations and Designs for Arrays of Energy Relays

In some embodiments, approaches are disclosed to address the challengeof generating high energy location density from an array of individualdevices without seams due to the limitation of mechanical structure forthe devices. In an embodiment, an energy propagating relay system mayallow for an increase the effective size of the active device area tomeet or exceed the mechanical dimensions to configure an array of relaysand form a singular seamless energy surface.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of such an energy relay system 300. Asshown, the relay system 300 may include a device 310 mounted to amechanical envelope 320, with an energy relay element 330 propagatingenergy from the device 310. The relay element 330 may be configured toprovide the ability to mitigate any gaps 340 that may be produced whenmultiple mechanical envelopes 320 of the device are placed into an arrayof multiple devices 310.

For example, if a device's active area 310 is 20 mm×10 mm and themechanical envelope 320 is 40 mm×20 mm, an energy relay element 330 maybe designed with a magnification of 2:1 to produce a tapered form thatis approximately 20 mm×10 mm on a minified end (arrow A) and 40 mm×20 mmon a magnified end (arrow B), providing the ability to align an array ofthese elements 330 together seamlessly without altering or collidingwith the mechanical envelope 320 of each device 310. Mechanically, therelay elements 330 may be bonded or fused together to align and polishensuring minimal seam gap 340 between devices 310. In one suchembodiment, it is possible to achieve a seam gap 340 smaller than thevisual acuity limit of the eye.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a base structure 400 having energyrelay elements 410 formed together and securely fastened to anadditional mechanical structure 430. The mechanical structure of theseamless energy surface 420 provides the ability to couple multipleenergy relay elements 410, 450 in series to the same base structurethrough bonding or other mechanical processes to mount relay elements410, 450. In some embodiments, each relay element 410 may be fused,bonded, adhered, pressure fit, aligned or otherwise attached together toform the resultant seamless energy surface 420. In some embodiments, adevice 480 may be mounted to the rear of the relay element 410 andaligned passively or actively to ensure appropriate energy locationalignment within the determined tolerance is maintained.

In an embodiment, the seamless energy surface comprises one or moreenergy locations and one or more energy relay element stacks comprise afirst and second side and each energy relay element stack is arranged toform a singular seamless display surface directing energy alongpropagation paths extending between one or more energy locations and theseamless display surface, and where the separation between the edges ofany two adjacent second surfaces of the terminal energy relay elementsis less than the minimum perceptible contour as defined by the visualacuity of a human eye having better than 20/100 vision at a distancegreater than the width of the singular seamless display surface.

In an embodiment, each of the seamless energy surfaces comprise one ormore energy relay elements each with one or more structures forming afirst and second surface with a transverse and longitudinal orientation.The first relay surface has an area different than the second resultingin positive or negative magnification and configured with explicitsurface contours for both the first and second surfaces passing energythrough the second relay surface to substantially fill a +/−10 degreeangle with respect to the normal of the surface contour across theentire second relay surface.

In an embodiment, multiple energy domains may be configured within asingle, or between multiple energy relays to direct one or more sensoryholographic energy propagation paths including visual, acoustic, tactileor other energy domains.

In an embodiment, the seamless energy surface is configured with energyrelays that comprise two or more first sides for each second side toboth receive and emit one or more energy domains simultaneously toprovide bidirectional energy propagation throughout the system.

In an embodiment, the energy relays are provided as loose coherentelements.

Introduction to Component Engineered Structures:

Disclosed Advances in Transverse Anderson Localization Energy Relays

The properties of energy relays may be significantly optimized accordingto the principles disclosed herein for energy relay elements that induceTransverse Anderson Localization. Transverse Anderson Localization isthe propagation of a ray transported through a transversely disorderedbut longitudinally consistent material.

This implies that the effect of the materials that produce the AndersonLocalization phenomena may be less impacted by total internal reflectionthan by the randomization between multiple-scattering paths where waveinterference can completely limit the propagation in the transverseorientation while continuing in the longitudinal orientation.

Of significant additional benefit is the elimination of the cladding oftraditional multi-core optical fiber materials. The cladding is tofunctionally eliminate the scatter of energy between fibers, butsimultaneously act as a barrier to rays of energy thereby reducingtransmission by at least the core to clad ratio (e.g., a core to cladratio of 70:30 will transmit at best 70% of received energytransmission) and additionally forms a strong pixelated patterning inthe propagated energy.

FIG. 5A illustrates an end view of an example of one such non-AndersonLocalization energy relay 500, wherein an image is relayed throughmulti-core optical fibers where pixilation and fiber noise may beexhibited due to the intrinsic properties of the optical fibers. Withtraditional multi-mode and multi-core optical fibers, relayed images maybe intrinsically pixelated due to the properties of total internalreflection of the discrete array of cores where any cross-talk betweencores will reduce the modulation transfer function and increaseblurring. The resulting imagery produced with traditional multi-coreoptical fiber tends to have a residual fixed noise fiber pattern similarto those shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5B, illustrates an example of the same relayed image 550 through anenergy relay comprising materials that exhibit the properties ofTransverse Anderson Localization, where the relayed pattern has agreater density grain structures as compared to the fixed fiber patternfrom FIG. 5A. In an embodiment, relays comprising randomized microscopiccomponent engineered structures induce Transverse Anderson Localizationand transport light more efficiently with higher propagation ofresolvable resolution than commercially available multi-mode glassoptical fibers.

There is significant advantage to the Transverse Anderson Localizationmaterial properties in terms of both cost and weight, where a similaroptical grade glass material, may cost and weigh upwards of 10 to100-fold more than the cost for the same material generated within anembodiment, wherein disclosed systems and methods comprise randomizedmicroscopic component engineered structures demonstrating significantopportunities to improve both cost and quality over other technologiesknown in the art.

In an embodiment, a relay element exhibiting Transverse AndersonLocalization may comprise a plurality of at least two differentcomponent engineered structures in each of three orthogonal planesarranged in a dimensional lattice and the plurality of structures formrandomized distributions of material wave propagation properties in atransverse plane within the dimensional lattice and channels of similarvalues of material wave propagation properties in a longitudinal planewithin the dimensional lattice, wherein localized energy wavespropagating through the energy relay have higher transport efficiency inthe longitudinal orientation versus the transverse orientation.

In an embodiment, multiple energy domains may be configured within asingle, or between multiple Transverse Anderson Localization energyrelays to direct one or more sensory holographic energy propagationpaths including visual, acoustic, tactile or other energy domains.

In an embodiment, the seamless energy surface is configured withTransverse Anderson Localization energy relays that comprise two or morefirst sides for each second side to both receive and emit one or moreenergy domains simultaneously to provide bidirectional energypropagation throughout the system.

In an embodiment, the Transverse Anderson Localization energy relays areconfigured as loose coherent or flexible energy relay elements.

Considerations for 4D Plenoptic Functions:

Selective Propagation of Energy through Holographic Waveguide Arrays

As discussed above and herein throughout, a light field display systemgenerally includes an energy source (e.g., illumination source) and aseamless energy surface configured with sufficient energy locationdensity as articulated in the above discussion. A plurality of relayelements may be used to relay energy from the energy devices to theseamless energy surface. Once energy has been delivered to the seamlessenergy surface with the requisite energy location density, the energycan be propagated in accordance with a 4D plenoptic function through adisclosed energy waveguide system. As will be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art, a 4D plenoptic function is well known in theart and will not be elaborated further herein.

The energy waveguide system selectively propagates energy through aplurality of energy locations along the seamless energy surfacerepresenting the spatial coordinate of the 4D plenoptic function with astructure configured to alter an angular direction of the energy wavespassing through representing the angular component of the 4D plenopticfunction, wherein the energy waves propagated may converge in space inaccordance with a plurality of propagation paths directed by the 4Dplenoptic function.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 illustrating an example of light fieldenergy surface in 4D image space in accordance with a 4D plenopticfunction. The figure shows ray traces of an energy surface 600 to aviewer 620 in describing how the rays of energy converge in space 630from various positions within the viewing volume. As shown, eachwaveguide element 610 defines four dimensions of information describingenergy propagation 640 through the energy surface 600. Two spatialdimensions (herein referred to as x and y) are the physical plurality ofenergy locations that can be viewed in image space, and the angularcomponents theta and phi (herein referred to as u and v), which isviewed in virtual space when projected through the energy waveguidearray. In general and in accordance with a 4D plenoptic function, theplurality of waveguides (e.g., lenslets) are able to direct an energylocation from the x, y dimension to a unique location in virtual space,along a direction defined by the u, v angular component, in forming theholographic or light field system described herein.

However, one skilled in the art will understand that a significantchallenge to light field and holographic display technologies arisesfrom uncontrolled propagation of energy due to designs that have notaccurately accounted for any of diffraction, scatter, diffusion, angulardirection, calibration, focus, collimation, curvature, uniformity,element cross-talk, as well as a multitude of other parameters thatcontribute to decreased effective resolution as well as an inability toaccurately converge energy with sufficient fidelity.

In an embodiment, an approach to selective energy propagation foraddressing challenges associated with holographic display may includeenergy inhibiting elements and substantially filling waveguide apertureswith near-collimated energy into an environment defined by a 4Dplenoptic function.

In an embodiment, an array of energy waveguides may define a pluralityof energy propagation paths for each waveguide element configured toextend through and substantially fill the waveguide element's effectiveaperture in unique directions defined by a prescribed 4D function to aplurality of energy locations along a seamless energy surface inhibitedby one or more elements positioned to limit propagation of each energylocation to only pass through a single waveguide element.

In an embodiment, multiple energy domains may be configured within asingle, or between multiple energy waveguides to direct one or moresensory holographic energy propagations including visual, acoustic,tactile or other energy domains.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides and seamless energy surface areconfigured to both receive and emit one or more energy domains toprovide bidirectional energy propagation throughout the system.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are configured to propagatenon-linear or non-regular distributions of energy, includingnon-transmitting void regions, leveraging digitally encoded,diffractive, refractive, reflective, grin, holographic, Fresnel, or thelike waveguide configurations for any seamless energy surfaceorientation including wall, table, floor, ceiling, room, or othergeometry based environments. In an additional embodiment, an energywaveguide element may be configured to produce various geometries thatprovide any surface profile and/or tabletop viewing allowing users toview holographic imagery from all around the energy surface in a360-degree configuration.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide array elements may be reflectivesurfaces and the arrangement of the elements may be hexagonal, square,irregular, semi-regular, curved, non-planar, spherical, cylindrical,tilted regular, tilted irregular, spatially varying and/ormulti-layered.

For any component within the seamless energy surface, waveguide, orrelay components may include, but not limited to, optical fiber,silicon, glass, polymer, optical relays, diffractive, holographic,refractive, or reflective elements, optical face plates, energycombiners, beam splitters, prisms, polarization elements, spatial lightmodulators, active pixels, liquid crystal cells, transparent displays,or any similar materials exhibiting Anderson localization or totalinternal reflection.

Realizing the Holodeck:

Aggregation of Seamless Energy Surface Systems to Stimulate HumanSensory Receptors Within Holographic Environments

It is possible to construct large-scale environments of seamless energysurface systems by tiling, fusing, bonding, attaching, and/or stitchingmultiple seamless energy surfaces together forming arbitrary sizes,shapes, contours or form-factors including entire rooms. Each energysurface system may comprise an assembly having a base structure, energysurface, relays, waveguide, devices, and electronics, collectivelyconfigured for bidirectional holographic energy propagation, emission,reflection, or sensing.

In an embodiment, an environment of tiled seamless energy systems areaggregated to form large seamless planar or curved walls includinginstallations comprising up to all surfaces in a given environment, andconfigured as any combination of seamless, discontinuous planar,faceted, curved, cylindrical, spherical, geometric, or non-regulargeometries.

In an embodiment, aggregated tiles of planar surfaces form wall-sizedsystems for theatrical or venue-based holographic entertainment. In anembodiment, aggregated tiles of planar surfaces cover a room with fourto six walls including both ceiling and floor for cave-based holographicinstallations. In an embodiment, aggregated tiles of curved surfacesproduce a cylindrical seamless environment for immersive holographicinstallations. In an embodiment, aggregated tiles of seamless sphericalsurfaces form a holographic dome for immersive Holodeck-basedexperiences.

In an embodiment, aggregate tiles of seamless curved energy waveguidesprovide mechanical edges following the precise pattern along theboundary of energy inhibiting elements within the energy waveguidestructure to bond, align, or fuse the adjacent tiled mechanical edges ofthe adjacent waveguide surfaces, resulting in a modular and seamlessenergy waveguide system.

In a further embodiment of an aggregated tiled environment, energy ispropagated bidirectionally for multiple simultaneous energy domains. Inan additional embodiment, the energy surface provides the ability toboth display and capture simultaneously from the same energy surfacewith waveguides designed such that light field data may be projected byan illumination source through the waveguide and simultaneously receivedthrough the same energy surface. In an additional embodiment, additionaldepth sensing and active scanning technologies may be leveraged to allowfor the interaction between the energy propagation and the viewer incorrect world coordinates. In an additional embodiment, the energysurface and waveguide are operable to emit, reflect or convergefrequencies to induce tactile sensation or volumetric haptic feedback.In some embodiments, any combination of bidirectional energy propagationand aggregated surfaces are possible.

In an embodiment, the system comprises an energy waveguide capable ofbidirectional emission and sensing of energy through the energy surfacewith one or more energy devices independently paired withtwo-or-more-path energy combiners to pair at least two energy devices tothe same portion of the seamless energy surface, or one or more energydevices are secured behind the energy surface, proximate to anadditional component secured to the base structure, or to a location infront and outside of the FOV of the waveguide for off-axis direct orreflective projection or sensing, and the resulting energy surfaceprovides for bidirectional transmission of energy allowing the waveguideto converge energy, a first device to emit energy and a second device tosense energy, and where the information is processed to perform computervision related tasks including, but not limited to, 4D plenoptic eye andretinal tracking or sensing of interference within propagated energypatterns, depth estimation, proximity, motion tracking, image, color, orsound formation, or other energy frequency analysis. In an additionalembodiment, the tracked positions actively calculate and modifypositions of energy based upon the interference between thebidirectional captured data and projection information.

In some embodiments, a plurality of combinations of three energy devicescomprising an ultrasonic sensor, a visible electromagnetic display, andan ultrasonic emitting device are configured together for each of threefirst relay surfaces propagating energy combined into a single secondenergy relay surface with each of the three first surfaces comprisingengineered properties specific to each device's energy domain, and twoengineered waveguide elements configured for ultrasonic andelectromagnetic energy respectively to provide the ability to direct andconverge each device's energy independently and substantially unaffectedby the other waveguide elements that are configured for a separateenergy domain.

In some embodiments, disclosed is a calibration procedure to enableefficient manufacturing to remove system artifacts and produce ageometric mapping of the resultant energy surface for use withencoding/decoding technologies as well as dedicated integrated systemsfor the conversion of data into calibrated information appropriate forenergy propagation based upon the calibrated configuration files.

In some embodiments, additional energy waveguides in series and one ormore energy devices may be integrated into a system to produce opaqueholographic pixels.

In some embodiments, additional waveguide elements may be integratedcomprising energy inhibiting elements, beam-splitters, prisms, activeparallax barriers or polarization technologies in order to providespatial and/or angular resolutions greater than the diameter of thewaveguide or for other super-resolution purposes.

In some embodiments, the disclosed energy system may also be configuredas a wearable bidirectional device, such as virtual reality (VR) oraugmented reality (AR). In other embodiments, the energy system mayinclude adjustment optical element(s) that cause the displayed orreceived energy to be focused proximate to a determined plane in spacefor a viewer. In some embodiments, the waveguide array may beincorporated to holographic head-mounted-display. In other embodiments,the system may include multiple optical paths to allow for the viewer tosee both the energy system and a real-world environment (e.g.,transparent holographic display). In these instances, the system may bepresented as near field in addition to other methods.

In some embodiments, the transmission of data comprises encodingprocesses with selectable or variable compression ratios that receive anarbitrary dataset of information and metadata; analyze said dataset andreceive or assign material properties, vectors, surface IDs, new pixeldata forming a more sparse dataset, and wherein the received data maycomprise: 2D, stereoscopic, multi-view, metadata, light field,holographic, geometry, vectors or vectorized metadata, and anencoder/decoder may provide the ability to convert the data in real-timeor off-line comprising image processing for: 2D; 2D plus depth, metadataor other vectorized information; stereoscopic, stereoscopic plus depth,metadata or other vectorized information; multi-view; multi-view plusdepth, metadata or other vectorized information; holographic; or lightfield content; through depth estimation algorithms, with or withoutdepth metadata; and an inverse ray tracing methodology appropriatelymaps the resulting converted data produced by inverse ray tracing fromthe various 2D, stereoscopic, multi-view, volumetric, light field orholographic data into real world coordinates through a characterized 4Dplenoptic function. In these embodiments, the total data transmissiondesired may be multiple orders of magnitudes less transmittedinformation than the raw light field dataset.

High Density Energy Directing Device

In an embodiment, an energy directing device may comprise one or moreenergy locations and one or more energy relay elements, each of the oneor more energy relay elements further comprising a first surface and asecond surface. The second surfaces of each energy relay element may bearranged to form a singular seamless energy surface.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more energylocations may comprise a display technology including any of:

-   -   a) LCD, LED, laser, CRT, OLED, AMOLED, TOLED, pico projector,        single chip, 3-chip, LCoS, DLP, Quantum Dots, monochrome, color,        projection, backlit, directly emissive, reflective, transparent,        opaque, coherent, incoherent, diffuse, direct, or any other        illumination source sufficient to produce the desired pixel        density; and    -   b) wherein any reflective display technology may be directly        bonded to the optical relay to provide an outdoor or ambient        illumination display, and further, combined with other materials        allows for the interaction of light with the relayed content for        both 2D and light field applications; and    -   c) a series of beamsplitters, prisms, or polarized elements and        arranging each of the above devices within the optical system to        provide a virtual energy surface that aggregates to include a        completely seamless integration of all of the active area        between the one or more devices even in consideration of the        mechanical envelopes; and    -   d) a series of parallel, converged, optically offset parallel        and converged, on-axis, off-axis, radial, aligned or otherwise        reflective or projection systems, each including a specified        resolution and mechanical envelope but projecting onto a surface        that is in aggregate smaller than the side-by-side footprint of        all of the one or more reflective or projection systems        combined.

In an embodiment, a separation between edges of any two adjacent secondsurfaces of the singular seamless energy surface may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/40 vision at a distance, greater than thelesser of a height of the singular seamless energy surface or a width ofthe singular seamless energy surface, from the singular seamless energysurface.

Creating a seamless energy surface from a plurality of separateindependent energy sources presents a problem of significant seamsbetween the active areas of the energy sources.

For example, for visible electromagnetic energy, FIG. 7 represents anexample of the minimum separation possible between identical independentdisplays when mounted on flex cables. FIG. 7 illustrates a side view ofthree display devices 700, which each comprise an active display areadimension 702 and a mechanical envelope 706. Minimum gaps 708 highlightthe minimum possible space between any two active imaging surfaces 702of display devices 700. In the event that the active image to mechanicalenvelope ratio is less than 2:1 (e.g. the active area is 20 mm×10 mm andthe mechanical envelope is less than 40 mm×10 mm), it is possible to usebeam splitters or other similar optical and reflective materials tointerleave two image surfaces to form one single contiguous plane.

FIG. 8 is a side view illustration which describes one suchimplementation of this methodology. FIG. 8 features five display devices800 which each comprise active display areas 802 and mechanicalenvelopes 804. Beam splitter 806 combines image light 808 produced bydisplay devices 800 into a seamless image presentation 810, whicheffectively masks the mechanical envelopes 804 of the display devices800. It should be noted that a highly non-reflective dark surface ispreferable at or near the display to mask out the non-image areas inorder to avoid reflection of the electronics and other non-displayregions.

FIG. 9 is a side view illustration of a second methodology where 3 beamsplitters are leveraged to accommodate a mechanical envelope that is a4:1 ratio. FIG. 9 features eight display devices 900 which each compriseactive display areas 902 and mechanical envelopes 904. Three beamsplitters 906, 908, and 910 combine image light 912 produced by theeight display devices 900 into a seamless image presentation 914, whicheffectively masks the mechanical envelopes 904 of the display devices900.

It should be noted that while these methods can work, the mechanicalaccuracy may preferably be near perfect to avoid incorrect angularviewing of each overlapping display plane and the overall viewedbrightness will decrease by the amount of light that is absorbed by thebeam splitter in order to redirect the rays of light to each discreetreflected plane. In FIG. 9, the brightness of image light 912 will onlytransmit at best 25% of actual display peak potential from displaydevices 900 due to the loss of light from the overall system.Additionally, it should be noted that the size of the physical apparatuswith multiple reflections becomes quite large very quickly depending onthe size of the desired image surface.

It is also possible to consider projection technologies to aggregatemultiple images into a larger overall display, however, this comes atthe cost of great complexity for throw distance, minimum focus, opticalquality, thermal consistency considerations over a temperature gradientover time, as well as image blending, alignment, size and form factor.For most practical applications, hosting tens or hundreds of theseprojection sources results in a design that is much larger and lessreliable. With all of the above risks noted, all of the descriptionscontained herein may also apply to any form of projection technology inaddition to the disclosed panel methodologies.

An alternative methodology involves using many projectors in a tiledfashion to produce a seamless image surface in combination with a rearprojection surface. This surface may include screens, diffusers, andoptical relays in planar or non-planar surfaces. The regions betweeneach individually addressed tile should ideally overlap slightly andblend the transition between each tile appropriately, although notexplicitly required. The same concept of image area to mechanicalenvelope applies with some added complexity. We now introduce theconcepts of maximum optical offset along image surface position whichcan be controlled by moving the optics of the projection systemindependently from that of the image source resulting in a non-keystonedshift of the image to the energy surface. High quality optics aredesired for this to be successful and is often limited to less than thewidth of the projected image.

Additionally, when not using orthographic or collimated designs, we nowhave the challenge of minimum focus of the optics contained within theprojection system. This can be addressed by increasing the overallprojected image size per tile at the consequence of increasing theviewed distance to provide the desired pixel density as notated above.

FIG. 10 highlights this relationship between the mechanical enveloperatio, the minimum focus distance and the maximum image offset as wellas the percent of overlap between individual tiled images. FIG. 10illustrates a top view of an embodiment with three projection devices:one centered projection device 1000, and two off-centered projectiondevises 1001, 1003. The mechanical envelope of each projection device1000, 1001, 1003 creates a display offset which invites adjustment ofthe projection angle 1004 of each off-centered projection device 1001,1003. FIG. 10 highlights the use of off-axis projection optics, wherethe display panel 1014 is displaced from the optical axis of the displaylens 1016 by an amount 1002 in proportion to the display panel distancefrom the center of the array, allowing for the overlap of each of theseimages while maintaining a parallel array structure, and additionallyavoid a keystone image correction. Image light projected from theprojection devices 1000, 1001, 1003 forms a display image 1006 at imageplane 1008. Image light from off-centered projection device 1001, 1003will have an image offset 1010 and a fractional overlap 1012 at theimage plane 1008.

In an embodiment, the singular seamless energy surface may be planar,faceted, or curved. It is also possible to form an arc of projectors atthe expense of requiring keystone correction optically orcomputationally to form the singular energy surface. In an embodiment,three projection devices may be arranged in an arc. The projectiondevices may produce image light which propagates through a planar imageplane. The image light may experience keystone effects.

Alternatively, non-planar surfaces may be designed in order to placeeach projector directly behind the corresponding tile of viewed energysurface. FIG. 11 is a top view illustration of an embodiment with threeprojection devices 1100 arranged in an arc. The projection devices 1100produce image light 1102 which propagates through non-planar surface1104. Image light 1102 may experience keystone effects that theembodiment of FIG. 10 avoids. For both of these approaches, theprojectors do not necessarily need to be in a physically stackedconfiguration and may leverage reflectors or other optical methodologiesin order to provide application specific mechanical designs.

Any combination of these approaches may be employed where both beamsplitters and projection technologies can be leveraged simultaneously.

An additional embodiment of the system makes use of recent breakthroughsin energy relay technologies.

Tapered Energy Relays

In order to further solve the challenge of generating high resolutionfrom an array of individual energy wave sources containing extendedmechanical envelopes, the use of tapered energy relays can be employedto increase the effective size of each energy source. An array oftapered energy relays can be stitched together to form a singularcontiguous energy surface, circumventing the limitation of mechanicalrequirements for those energy sources.

In an embodiment, the one or more energy relay elements may beconfigured to direct energy along propagation paths which extend betweenthe one or more energy locations and the singular seamless energysurface.

For example, if an energy wave source's active area is 20 mm×10 mm andthe mechanical envelope is 40 mm×20 mm, a tapered energy relay may bedesigned with a magnification of 2:1 to produce a taper that is 20 mm×10mm (when cut) on the minified end and 40 mm×20 mm (when cut) on themagnified end, providing the ability to align an array of these taperstogether seamlessly without altering or violating the mechanicalenvelope of each energy wave source.

FIG. 12 illustrates an orthogonal view of one such tapered energy relaymosaic arrangement 1210, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In FIG. 12, the relay device 1210 may include two ormore relay elements 1220, each relay element 1220 formed of one or morestructures, each relay element 1220 having a first surface 1240, asecond surface 1260, a transverse orientation (generally parallel to thesurfaces 1240, 1260) and a longitudinal orientation (generallyperpendicular to the surfaces 1240, 1260). The surface area of the firstsurface 1240 may be different than the surface area of the secondsurface 1260. For relay element 1220, the surface area of the firstsurface 1240 is less than the surface area of the second surface 1260.In another embodiment, the surface area of the first surface 1240 may bethe same or greater than the surface area of the second surface 1260.Energy waves can pass from the first surface 1240 to the second surface1260, or vice versa.

In FIG. 12, the relay element 1220 of the relay element device 1210includes a sloped profile portion 1280 between the first surface 1240and the second surface 1260. In operation, energy waves propagatingbetween the first surface 1240 and the second surface 1260 may have ahigher transport efficiency in the longitudinal orientation than in thetransverse orientation, and energy waves passing through the relayelement 1220 may result in spatial magnification or spatialde-magnification. In other words, energy waves passing through the relayelement 1220 of the relay element device 1210 may experience increasedmagnification or decreased magnification. In an embodiment, energy maybe directed through the one or more energy relay elements with zeromagnification. In some embodiments, the one or more structures forforming relay element devices may include glass, carbon, optical fiber,optical film, plastic, polymer, or mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the energy waves passing through the first surfacehave a first resolution, while the energy waves passing through thesecond surface have a second resolution, and the second resolution is noless than about 50% of the first resolution. In another embodiment, theenergy waves, while having a uniform profile when presented to the firstsurface, may pass through the second surface radiating in everydirection with an energy density in the forward direction thatsubstantially fills a cone with an opening angle of +/−10 degreesrelative to the normal to the second surface, irrespective of locationon the second relay surface.

In some embodiments, the first surface may be configured to receiveenergy from an energy wave source, the energy wave source including amechanical envelope having a width different than the width of at leastone of the first surface and the second surface.

In an embodiment, energy may be transported between first and secondsurfaces which defines the longitudinal orientation, the first andsecond surfaces of each of the relays extends generally along atransverse orientation defined by the first and second directions, wherethe longitudinal orientation is substantially normal to the transverseorientation. In an embodiment, energy waves propagating through theplurality of relays have higher transport efficiency in the longitudinalorientation than in the transverse orientation and are spatiallylocalized in the transverse plane due to randomized refractive indexvariability in the transverse orientation coupled with minimalrefractive index variation in the longitudinal orientation via theprinciple of Transverse Anderson Localization. In some embodiments,where each relay is constructed of multicore fiber, the energy wavespropagating within each relay element may travel in the longitudinalorientation determined by the alignment of fibers in this orientation.

Mechanically, these tapered energy relays are cut and polished to a highdegree of accuracy before being bonded or fused together in order toalign them and ensure the smallest possible seam gap between the relays.The seamless surface formed by the second surfaces of energy relays ispolished after the relays are bonded. In one such embodiment, using anepoxy that is thermally matched to the taper material, it is possible toachieve a maximum seam gap of 50 um. In another embodiment, amanufacturing process that places the taper array under compressionand/or heat provides the ability to fuse the elements together. Inanother embodiment, the use of plastic tapers can be more easilychemically fused or heat-treated to create the bond without additionalbonding. For the avoidance of doubt, any methodology may be used to bondthe array together, to explicitly include no bond other than gravityand/or force.

In an embodiment, a separation between the edges of any two adjacentsecond surfaces of the terminal energy relay elements may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/40 vision at a distance from the seamlessenergy surface that is greater than the lesser of a height of thesingular seamless energy surface or a width of the singular seamlessenergy surface.

A mechanical structure may be preferable in order to hold the multiplecomponents in a fashion that meets a certain tolerance specification. Insome embodiments, the first and second surfaces of tapered relayelements can have any polygonal shapes including without limitationcircular, elliptical, oval, triangular, square, rectangle,parallelogram, trapezoidal, diamond, pentagon, hexagon, and so forth. Insome examples, for non-square tapers, such as rectangular tapers forexample, the relay elements may be rotated to have the minimum taperdimension parallel to the largest dimensions of the overall energysource. This approach allows for the optimization of the energy sourceto exhibit the lowest rejection of rays of light due to the acceptancecone of the magnified relay element as when viewed from center point ofthe energy source. For example, if the desired energy source size is 100mm by 60 mm and each tapered energy relay is 20 mm by 10 mm, the relayelements may be aligned and rotated such that an array of 3 by 10 taperenergy relay elements may be combined to produce the desired energysource size. Nothing here should suggest that an array with analternative configuration of an array of 6 by 5 matrix, among othercombinations, could not be utilized. The array comprising of a 3×10layout generally will perform better than the alternative 6×5 layout.

Energy Relay Element Stacks

While the most simplistic formation of an energy source system comprisesof an energy source bonded to a single tapered energy relay element,multiple relay elements may be coupled to form a single energy sourcemodule with increased quality or flexibility. One such embodimentincludes a first tapered energy relay with the minified end attached tothe energy source, and a second tapered energy relay connected to thefirst relay element, with the minified end of the second optical taperin contact with the magnified end of the first relay element, generatinga total magnification equal to the product of the two individual tapermagnifications. This is an example of an energy relay element stackcomprising of a sequence of two or more energy relay elements, with eachenergy relay element comprising a first side and a second side, thestack relaying energy from the first surface of the first element to thesecond surface of the last element in the sequence, also named theterminal surface. Each energy relay element may be configured to directenergy therethrough.

In an embodiment, an energy directing device comprises one or moreenergy locations and one or more energy relay element stacks. Eachenergy relay element stack comprises one or more energy relay elements,with each energy relay element comprising a first surface and a secondsurface. Each energy relay element may be configured to direct energytherethrough. In an embodiment, the second surfaces of terminal energyrelay elements of each energy relay element stack may be arranged toform a singular seamless display surface. In an embodiment, the one ormore energy relay element stacks may be configured to direct energyalong energy propagation paths which extend between the one or moreenergy locations and the singular seamless display surfaces.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an energy relay element stack 1300consisting of two compound optical relay tapers 1322, 1324 in series,both tapers with minified ends facing an energy source surface 1326, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 13, theinput numerical aperture (NA) is 1.0 for the input of taper 1324, butonly about 0.16 for the output of taper 1322. Notice that the outputnumerical aperture gets divided by the total magnification of 6, whichis the product of 2 for taper 1324, and 3 for taper 1322. One advantageof this approach is the ability to customize the first energy wave relayelement to account for various dimensions of energy source withoutalteration of the second energy wave relay element. It additionallyprovides the flexibility to alter the size of the output energy surfacewithout changing the design of the energy source or the first relayelement. Also shown in FIG. 13 is the energy source 1326 and themechanical envelope 1328 containing the energy source drive electronics.

In an embodiment, the first surface may be configured to receive energywaves from an energy source unit (e.g., 1326), the energy source unitincluding a mechanical envelope having a width different than the widthof at least one of the first surface and the second surface. In oneembodiment, the energy waves passing through the first surface may havea first resolution, while the energy waves passing through the secondsurface may have a second resolution, such that the second resolution isno less than about 50% of the first resolution. In another embodiment,the energy waves, while having a uniform profile when presented to thefirst surface, may pass through the second surface radiating in everydirection with an energy density in the forward direction thatsubstantially fills a cone with an opening angle of +/−10 degreesrelative to the normal to the second surface, irrespective of locationon the second relay surface.

In one embodiment, the plurality of energy relay elements in the stackedconfiguration may include a plurality of faceplates (relays with unitymagnification). In some embodiments, the plurality of faceplates mayhave different lengths or are loose coherent optical relays. In otherembodiments, the plurality of elements may have sloped profile portionssimilar to that of FIG. 12, where the sloped profile portions may beangled, linear, curved, tapered, faceted or aligned at anon-perpendicular angle relative to a normal axis of the relay element.In yet another embodiment, energy waves propagating through theplurality of relay elements have higher transport efficiency in thelongitudinal orientation than in the transverse orientation and arespatially localized in the transverse orientation due to randomizedrefractive index variability in the transverse orientation coupled withminimal refractive index variation in the longitudinal orientation. Inembodiments where each energy relay is constructed of multicore fiber,the energy waves propagating within each relay element may travel in thelongitudinal orientation determined by the alignment of fibers in thisorientation.

Energy Directing Device

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment 1400 of anenergy directing device where energy relay element stacks are arrangedin an 8×4 array to form a singular seamless energy directing surface1410 with the shortest dimension of the terminal surface of each taperedenergy relay element stack parallel to the longest dimension of theenergy surface 1410. The energy originates from 32 separate energysources 1450, each bonded or otherwise attached to the first element ofthe energy relay element stacks.

In an embodiment, a separation between the edges of any two adjacentsecond surfaces of the terminal energy relay elements may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/100 vision at a distance, greater than thelesser of a height of the singular seamless display surface or a widthof the singular seamless display surface, from the singular seamlessdisplay surface.

FIG. 15 contains an illustration 1500 of the following views ofembodiment 1400: a front view 1510, a top view 1520, a side view 1530,and a close-up side view 1540.

FIG. 16 is the close-up view 1600 of the side view 1540 of the energydirecting device 1400, consisting of a repeating structure comprised ofenergy relay element stacks 1630 arranged along a transverse orientationdefined by first and second directions, used to propagate energy wavesfrom the plurality of energy units 1450 to a single common seamlessenergy surface 1680 formed by the second surface of the energy relayelement stacks. Each energy unit 1450 is composed of an energy source1610 as well as the mechanical enclosure 1650 which houses the driveelectronics. Each relay stack is composed of a faceplate 1640 with nomagnification directly bonded to an energy source 1610 on one side, anda tapered energy relay 1620 on the other side, where the taper spatiallymagnifies the energy wave from the faceplate 1640 while propagating theenergy to the seamless energy surface 1680. In one embodiment, themagnification of the tapered energy relay is 2:1. In one embodiment,tapered energy relays 1620 are held in place by a common base structure1660, and each of these tapers are bonded to a faceplate 1640, which inturn is bonded to the energy unit 1450. Neighboring tapers 1620 arebonded or fused together at seam 1670 in order to ensure that thesmallest possible seam gap is realized. All the tapered energy relays inthe full 8×4 array are arranged in a seamless mosaic such that thesecond surface for each tapered energy relay forms a single contiguousenergy surface 1680, which is polished during assembly to ensureflatness. In one embodiment, surface 1680 is polished to within 10 wavesof flatness. Face plate 1685 has dimensions slightly larger than thedimensions of the surface 1680, and is placed in direct contact withsurface 1680 in order to extend the field of view of the tapered energysurface 1680. The second surface of the faceplate forms the outputenergy surface 1410 for the energy directing device 1400.

In this embodiment of 1400, energy is propagated from each energy source1610, through the relay stack 1630, and then substantially normal to thefaceplate, defining the longitudinal direction, the first and secondsurfaces of each of the relay stacks extends generally along atransverse orientation defined by the first and second directions, wherethe longitudinal orientation is substantially normal to the transverseorientation. In one embodiment, energy waves propagating through atleast one of the relay elements faceplate 1640, taper 1620, andfaceplate 1685, have higher transport efficiency in the longitudinalorientation than in the transverse orientation and are localized in thetransverse orientation due to randomized refractive index variability inthe transverse orientation coupled with minimal refractive indexvariation in the longitudinal orientation. In some embodiments at leastone of the relay elements faceplate 1640, taper 1620, and faceplate 1685may be constructed of multicore fiber, with energy waves propagatingwithin each relay element traveling in the longitudinal orientationdetermined by the alignment of fibers in this orientation.

In one embodiment, the energy waves passing through the first surface of1640 have a first spatial resolution, while the energy waves passingthrough the second surface of tapered energy relay 1620 and through theface plate have a second resolution, and the second resolution is noless than about 50% of the first resolution. In another embodiment, theenergy waves, while having a uniform profile at the first surface of thefaceplate 1640, may pass through the seamless energy surfaces 1680 and1410 radiating in every direction with an energy density in the forwarddirection that substantially fills a cone with an opening angle of +/−10degrees relative to the normal to the seamless energy surface 1410,irrespective of location on this surface 1410.

In an embodiment, an energy directing device comprises one or moreenergy sources and one or more energy relay element stacks.

In an embodiment, each energy relay element of an energy directingdevice may comprise at least one of:

-   -   a) one or more optical elements exhibiting transverse Anderson        Localization;    -   b) a plurality of optical fibers;    -   c) loose coherent optical fibers;    -   d) image combiners;    -   e) one or more gradient index optical elements;    -   f) one or more beam splitters;    -   g) one or more prisms;    -   h) one or more polarized optical elements;    -   i) one or more multiple size or length optical elements for        mechanical offset;    -   j) one or more waveguides;    -   k) one or more diffractive, refractive, reflective, holographic,        lithographic, or transmissive elements; and    -   l) one or more retroreflectors.

In an embodiment, a quantity of the one or more energy relay elementsand a quantity of the one or more energy locations may define amechanical dimension of the energy directing device. The quantity ofoptical relay elements incorporated into the system is unlimited andonly constrained by mechanical considerations and the resultant seamlessenergy surface includes a plurality of lower resolution energy sourcesproducing an infinite resolution energy surface only limited by theresolving power and image quality of the components included within thedisplay device.

A mechanical structure may be preferable in order to hold the multiplerelay components in a fashion that meets a certain tolerancespecification. Mechanically, the energy relays that contain a secondsurface that forms the seamless energy surface are cut and polished to ahigh degree of accuracy before being bonded or fused together in orderto align them and ensure that the smallest possible seam gap between theenergy relays is possible. The seamless surface 1680 is polished afterthe relays 1620 are bonded together. In one such embodiment, using anepoxy that is thermally matched to the tapered energy relay material, itis possible to achieve a maximum seam gap of 50 um. In anotherembodiment, a manufacturing process that places the taper array undercompression and/or heat provides the ability to fuse the elementstogether. In another embodiment, the use of plastic tapers can be moreeasily chemically fused or heat-treated to create the bond withoutadditional bonding For the avoidance of doubt, any methodology may beused to bond the array together, to explicitly include no bond otherthan gravity and/or force.

The energy surface may be polished individually and/or as a singularenergy surface and may be any surface shape, including planar,spherical, cylindrical, conical, faceted, tiled, regular, non-regular,convex, concave, slanted, or any other geometric shape for a specifiedapplication. The optical elements may be mechanically mounted such thatthe optical axes are parallel, non-parallel and/or arranged with energysurface normal oriented in a specified way.

The ability to create various shapes outside of the active display areaprovides the ability to couple multiple optical elements in series tothe same base structure through clamping structures, bonding processes,or any other mechanical means desired to hold one or more relay elementsin place. The various shapes may be formed out of optical materials orbonded with additional appropriate materials. The mechanical structureleveraged to hold the resultant shape may be of the same form to fitover top of said structure. In one embodiment, an energy relay isdesigned with a square shape with a side that is equal to 10% of thetotal length of the energy relay, but 25% greater than the active areaof the energy source in width and height. This energy relay is clampedwith the matched mechanical structure and may leverage refractive indexmatching oil, refractive index matched epoxy, or the like. In the caseof electromagnetic energy sources, the process to place any two opticalelements in series may include mechanical or active alignment whereinvisual feedback is provided to ensure that the appropriate tolerance ofimage alignment is performed. Typically, a display is mounted to therear surface of the optical element prior to alignment, but this may ormay not be desired depending on application.

In an embodiment, the second sides of terminal energy relay elements ofeach energy relay element stack may be arranged to form a singularseamless energy surface.

In an embodiment, the singular seamless energy surface formed by amosaic of energy relay element stacks may be extended by placing afaceplate layer in direct contact with the surface, using a bondingagent, index matching oil, pressure, or gravity to adhere it to theenergy surface. In one embodiment, the faceplate layer may be composedof a single piece of energy relay material, while in others it iscomposed of two or more pieces of energy relay material bonded or fusedtogether. In one embodiment, the extension of a faceplate may increasethe angle of emission of the energy waves relative to the normal to theseamless energy surface.

In an embodiment, the one or more energy relay element stacks may beconfigured to direct energy along propagation paths which extend betweenthe one or more energy locations and the singular seamless energysurfaces.

In an embodiment, a separation between the edges of any two adjacentsecond surfaces of the terminal energy relay elements may be less than aminimum perceptible contour as defined by the visual acuity of a humaneye having better than 20/40 vision at a distance, greater than thelesser of a height of the singular seamless energy surface or a width ofthe singular seamless energy surface, from the singular seamless energysurface.

In an embodiment, the energy relay elements of each energy relay elementstack are arranged in an end-to-end configuration.

In an embodiment, energy may be directed through the one or more energyrelay element stacks with zero magnification, non-zero magnification, ornon-zero minification.

In an embodiment, any of the energy relay elements of the one or moreenergy relay element stacks may comprise an element exhibitingTransverse Anderson Localization, an optical fiber, a beam splitter, animage combiner, an element configured to alter an angular direction ofenergy passing therethrough, etc.

In an embodiment, energy directed along energy propagation paths may beelectromagnetic energy defined by a wavelength, the wavelength belongingto a regime of the electromagnetic spectrum such as visible light,ultraviolet, infrared, x-ray, etc. In an embodiment, energy directedalong energy propagation paths may be mechanical energy such as acousticsound, tactile pressure, etc. A volumetric sound environment is atechnology that effectively aspires to achieve holographic sound orsimilar technology. A dimensional tactile device produces an array oftransducers, air emitters, or the like to generate a sensation oftouching objects floating in midair that may be directly coupled to thevisuals displayed in a light field display. Any other technologies thatsupport interactive or immersive media may additionally be explored inconjunction with this holographic display. For the use of the energydirecting device as a display surface, the electronics may be mounteddirectly to the pins of the individual displays, attached to theelectronics with a socket such as a zero-insertion force (ZIF)connector, or by using an interposer and/or the like, to providesimplified installation and maintenance of the system. In oneembodiment, display electronic components including display boards,FPGAs, ASICs, 10 devices or similarly desired components preferable forthe use of said display, may be mounted or tethered on flex orflexi-rigid cables in order to produce an offset between the displaymounting plane and the location of the physical electronic package.Additional mechanical structures are provided to mount the electronicsas desired for the device. This provides the ability to increase densityof the optical elements, thereby reducing the optical magnification forany tapered optical relays and decreasing overall display size and/orweight.

Cooling structures may be designed to maintain system performance withina specified temperature range, wherein all mechanical structures mayinclude additional copper or other similar material tubing to provide aliquid cooling system with a solid state liquid cooling system providingsufficient pressure on a thermostat regulator. Additional embodimentsmay include Peltier units or heat syncs and/or the like to maintainconsistent system performance for the electronics, displays and/or anyother components sensitive to temperature changes during operation orthat may produce excess heat.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of an embodiment 1700 where energy relayelement stacks composed of elements 1702 and 1703 are angled inward to aknown point in space 1704, directing energy to propagate from multiplesources 1708 through the seamless energy surface 1701. The basestructure 1706 directly supports the tapered energy relays 1702, whereeach taper is in turn bonded to relay 1703. For an embodiment where theenergy directing device 1700 is a display, tapered optical relayelements 1702 are angled inward to point the taper optical axes towardsa fixed point in space 1704. The energy sources 1708 comprise ofindividual displays, with display electronics contained with the displaymechanical envelope 1707.

In an embodiment, the optical relay may comprise loose coherent opticalrelays. Flexible optical elements, image conduits, and the like mayadditionally be leveraged in order to further offset display and displayelectronics from the seamless energy surface. In this fashion, it ispossible to form an optical relay bundle including multiple loosecoherent optical relays or other similar optical technology to connecttwo separate structures, with a first structure containing the seamlessenergy surface, and the second structure containing the display anddisplay electronics.

One or more additional optical elements may be mounted in front of, orbehind the ends of each loose coherent optical relay. These additionalelements may be mounted with epoxies, pressure, mechanical structures,or other methods known in the art.

FIG. 18 is a top view illustration of an embodiment 1800 where theseamless energy surface 1802 is a display formed by tapered opticalrelays 1804, while the display devices 1806 and the mechanical envelopesfor the display electronics 1808 are located a distance away from thetapered relays 1804. elaying light from display devices 1806 to thetapered optical relays 1804 are loose coherent optical relays 1810 eachwith end caps 1812 at either end.

Embodiment 1800 allows the display devices 1806 to be disposed at theremote locations of 1808 away from the energy surface 1802 to ensurethat a mechanical envelope of the display devices 1806 does notinterfere with the positioning of energy surface 1802.

Optical elements may exhibit differing lengths to provide offsetelectronics as desired when formed in an alternating structure andprovide the ability to increase density by the difference between thewidth of the electronic envelope minus the width of the optical element.In one such embodiment, a 5×5 optical relay mosaic contains twoalternating optical relay lengths. In another embodiment, a 5×5 opticalrelay mosaic may contain 5 different optical relay lengths producing apyramid-like structure, with the longest length at the center of thearray, producing higher overall density for the resultant optical relaymosaic.

FIG. 19 is a side view illustration of an embodiment 1900 wherein aseamless display surface 1908 is formed by nine tapered optical relays1902, each associated with a display device 1904 through an optical faceplate with one of five offset lengths 1,2,3,4, or 5, such that no twoadjacent display devices 1904 are connected to a face plate with thesame offset length, providing sufficient clearance 1906 for respectivemechanical envelopes 1905 for the display electronics.

Energy Combiner

In an embodiment, it is possible to use an energy combiner to leverageboth projection based display as well as panel based displaysimultaneously, to leverage a self-illuminated display and a reflectivedisplay at the same time, or to leverage image projection and imagesensing simultaneously.

FIG. 20 is a top view illustration of an embodiment 2000 where a singleprojection source 2002 and a single display panel source 2004 are mergedwith an image combiner 2006. This may additionally be configured in anyarray or any such desired ratio of panel to projection technologieswhere the combination of only projection sources or panel based sourcesmay also be implemented. Image combiner 2006 relays energy from firstsurfaces 2008, 2010 to combined display surface 2012, where the energymay propagate along propagation paths 2014.

A further embodiment where an energy combiner is leveraged and a firstself-illuminated display is provided on one or more of the imagecombiner legs, and a second reflective display is provided on one ormore of the image combiner legs, producing a virtual image that includesboth the inherent data from the illuminated display in addition to anyspecific response and lighting changes as imposed upon by an externalsource of light simultaneously.

The reflective surface may be considered a ‘reflection pass’ and containdiffering imaging information as optimized for the displayed content.

In another embodiment, one leg of an image combiner may have aself-illuminated display, while the other leg may be connected to animaging sensor. Through this approach, it is possible to optically scanin real time with a high degree of accuracy a finger print(s) or anyother object that touches the surface of the display like papers,documents, etc. Through an inverse calibration process, it is possibleto correct for all optical artifacts and generate extremely high-qualityresolution. In another embodiment, this methodology for image capturewith the image combiner provides the ability to generate an extremelyaccurate “white board” or artistic surface that can respond extremelyaccurately to location and interactively draw or perform any number ofother display based functions.

In an embodiment, the singular seamless energy surface may be a virtualsurface.

In an embodiment, an energy directing device may be an energy system,and the energy locations may comprise one or more energy devices, andthe energy relay elements may comprise one or more energy componentseach made from elements that induce transverse Anderson Localization ofenergy transport therethrough, and each energy component furthercomprising a first energy surface and a second energy surface.

In an embodiment, the one or more components include: optical fiber,silicon, glass, polymer, optical relays, diffractive elements,holographic optical elements, refractive elements, reflective elements,optical face plates, optical combiners, beam splitters, prisms,polarization components, spatial light modulators, active pixels, liquidcrystal cells, transparent displays, or any similar materials havingAnderson localization or total internal reflection properties forforming the electromagnetic surface.

In an embodiment, the singular seamless energy surface may be anycombination of the one or more components that are formed to accommodateany surface shape, including planar, spherical, cylindrical, conical,faceted, tiled, regular, non-regular, convex, concave, slanted, or anyother geometric shape for a specified application.

In an embodiment, the energy surface is operable to guide localizedlight transmission to within four or less wavelengths of visible light.

In an embodiment, the energy device may include at least one of:

-   -   a) illumination sources emitting focused light, and wherein the        focused light includes emissive, projection, or reflective        display technologies, leveraging visible, IR, UV, coherent,        laser, infrared, polarized or any other electromagnetic        illumination source;    -   b) audible, ultrasonic, or other acoustic emitting devices        provide immersive audio or volumetric tactile sensation from an        acoustic field integrated directly into the energy system;    -   c) sensors for capturing or recording any energy in the        electromagnetic spectrum, including structured, coherent,        collimated, visible light, IR, UV, microwaves, radio waves, or        other forms of electromagnetic radiation; or    -   d) acoustic receiving devices configured to provide sensory        feedback or audible controls over an interactive system.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been described above, it should be understood that they havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not limiting. Thus, thebreadth and scope of the invention(s) should not be limited by any ofthe above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only inaccordance with the claims and their equivalents issuing from thisdisclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are providedin described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of suchissued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all ofthe above advantages.

It will be understood that the principal features of this disclosure canbe employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerousequivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Suchequivalents are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure andare covered by the claims.

Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistencywith the suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provideorganizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize theinvention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure.Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a“Field of Invention,” such claims should not be limited by the languageunder this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, adescription of technology in the “Background of the Invention” sectionis not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art toany invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to beconsidered a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issuedclaims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” inthe singular should not be used to argue that there is only a singlepoint of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be setforth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing fromthis disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s),and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, thescope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light ofthis disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forthherein.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims isused to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer toalternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, althoughthe disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternativesand “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used toindicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for thedevice, the method being employed to determine the value, or thevariation that exists among the study subjects. In general, but subjectto the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modifiedby a word of approximation such as “about” may vary from the statedvalue by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps.

Words of comparison, measurement, and timing such as “at the time,”“equivalent,” “during,” “complete,” and the like should be understood tomean “substantially at the time,” “substantially equivalent,”“substantially during,” “substantially complete,” etc., where“substantially” means that such comparisons, measurements, and timingsare practicable to accomplish the implicitly or expressly stated desiredresult. Words relating to relative position of elements such as “near,”“proximate to,” and “adjacent to” shall mean sufficiently close to havea material effect upon the respective system element interactions. Otherwords of approximation similarly refer to a condition that when somodified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect butwould be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the artto warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent towhich the description may vary will depend on how great a change can beinstituted and still have one of ordinary skilled in the art recognizethe modified feature as still having the desired characteristics andcapabilities of the unmodified feature.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to allpermutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term.For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof is intended to include atleast one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important ina particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB.Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations thatcontain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC,AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan willunderstand that typically there is no limit on the number of items orterms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein canbe made and executed without undue experimentation in light of thepresent disclosure. While the compositions and methods of thisdisclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, itwill be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may beapplied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in thesequence of steps of the method described herein without departing fromthe concept, spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such similarsubstitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art aredeemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the disclosure asdefined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An energy system comprising: a plurality ofenergy relay components, each made from an element having highertransport efficiency in a longitudinal orientation than in a transverseorientation, and each further comprising a first surface and a secondsurface; wherein each of the plurality of energy relay components isconfigured to receive energy from one or more energy devices at energylocations on the first surface; wherein distances that separate any twoadjacent first surfaces of the respective energy relay components fromeach other are less than distances that separate any two adjacent secondsurfaces of the respective energy relay components from each other; andwherein the second surfaces of the plurality of energy relay componentsform a singular seamless energy surface.
 2. The energy system of claim1, wherein the singular seamless energy surface prevents a separationbetween adjacent second surfaces of the respective energy relaycomponents from being seen.
 3. The energy system of claim 1, wherein thesingular seamless energy surface is a virtual surface.
 4. The energysystem of claim 1, wherein the element is selected from a groupconsisting of: a) an optical fiber; b) a beam splitter; c) an imagecombiner; and d) an element configured to alter an angular direction ofenergy passing therethrough.
 5. The energy system of claim 1, whereinthe singular seamless energy surface is planar.
 6. The energy system ofclaim 1, wherein the singular seamless energy surface is faceted.
 7. Theenergy system of claim 1, wherein the singular seamless energy surfaceis curved.
 8. The energy system of claim 1, wherein the one or moreenergy devices comprise an element selected from a group consisting of:a) an illumination source emitting focused light; b) an acousticemitting device configured to provide immersive audio or volumetrictactile sensation from an acoustic field integrated into the energysystem; c) a sensor for capturing energy in the energy spectrum; and d)an acoustic receiving device configured to provide sensory feedback tothe energy system.
 9. The energy system of claim 1, wherein energyreceived by the plurality of energy relay components is electromagneticenergy defined by a wavelength, the wavelength belonging to a regimeselected from a group consisting of: a) visible light; b) ultraviolet;c) infrared; and d) x-ray.
 10. The energy system of claim 1, whereinenergy received by the plurality of energy relay components ismechanical energy selected from a group consisting of: a) acousticsound; and b) tactile pressure.
 11. The energy system of claim 1,wherein the singular seamless energy surface is extended by placing afaceplate in direct contact with the singular seamless energy surface,using a bonding agent, index matching oil, pressure, or gravity toadhere it to the energy relay components; and wherein the faceplate iscomposed of a single piece of energy relay material, or composed of twoor more pieces of energy relay material bonded or fused together. 12.The energy system of claim 11, where the addition of the faceplateincreases the angle of emission of energy waves leaving the energysurface of the singular seamless energy surface relative the normal tothe energy surface.
 13. An energy system comprising: a plurality ofenergy relay element stacks, wherein each energy relay element stackcomprises a plurality of energy relay components; wherein each of theplurality of energy relay components made from an element having highertransport efficiency in a longitudinal orientation than in a transverseorientation; wherein each of the plurality of energy relay componentsincludes a first surface and a second surface; wherein each of theplurality of energy relay components is configured to receive energyfrom one or more energy devices at energy locations on the firstsurface; wherein distances that separate any two adjacent first surfacesof the respective energy relay components from each other are less thandistances that separate any two adjacent second surfaces of therespective energy relay components from each other; and wherein thesecond surfaces of the plurality of energy relay components form asingular seamless energy surface.
 14. The energy system of claim 13,wherein the singular seamless energy surface prevents a separationbetween adjacent second surfaces of the respective energy relaycomponents from being seen; and wherein the plurality of energy relayelement stacks are configured to direct energy along energy propagationpaths which extend between the one or more energy devices and thesingular seamless energy surface.
 15. The energy system of claim 13,wherein the singular seamless energy surface is a virtual surface. 16.The energy system of claim 13, wherein the element is selected from agroup consisting of: a) an optical fiber; b) a beam splitter; c) animage combiner; and d) an element configured to alter an angulardirection of energy passing therethrough.
 17. The energy system of claim13, wherein the singular seamless energy surface is planar.
 18. Theenergy system of claim 13, wherein the singular seamless energy surfaceis faceted.
 19. The energy system of claim 13, wherein the singularseamless energy surface is curved.
 20. The energy system of claim 13,wherein the one or more energy devices comprise an element selected froma group consisting of: a) an illumination source emitting focused light;b) an acoustic emitting device configured to provide immersive audio orvolumetric tactile sensation from an acoustic field integrated into theenergy system; c) a sensor for capturing energy in the energy spectrum;and d) an acoustic receiving device configured to provide sensoryfeedback to the energy system.
 21. The energy system of claim 13,wherein energy received by the plurality of energy relay components iselectromagnetic energy defined by a wavelength, the wavelength belongingto a regime selected from a group consisting of: a) visible light; b)ultraviolet; c) infrared; and d) x-ray.
 22. The energy system of claim13, wherein energy received by the plurality of energy relay componentsis mechanical energy selected from a group consisting of: a) acousticsound; and b) tactile pressure.
 23. The energy system of claim 13,wherein the singular seamless energy surface is extended by placing afaceplate in direct contact with the singular seamless energy surface,using a bonding agent, index matching oil, pressure, or gravity toadhere it to the energy relay components; and wherein the faceplate iscomposed of a single piece of energy relay material, or composed of twoor more pieces of energy relay material bonded or fused together. 24.The energy system of claim 23, where the addition of the faceplateincreases the angle of emission of energy waves leaving the energysurface of the singular seamless energy surface relative the normal tothe energy surface.